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Chapter 5
A computer is an electronic device that
operates under a set of instructions
accepts data that a user supplies
manipulates data according to a program
produces and stores the results
How Computers Work Computers are designed to accept programs and data (input), process
the data according to program instructions, and then output the processed data in a useful form
as information.
The Information Processing Cycle Using a computer to convert data into useful information).
The four basic functions and steps to convert data into useful information is:
1. input data entered into a computer for processing
2. processing the manipulation of data according to program instructions
3. output the creation of information resulting from processing
4. storage the retention of processed data on a storage medium for future use
Data and Information Data and information are not the same thing
Hardware: Four types of personal computers
1. Desktops
2. Notebooks
3. Tablets
4. Smart Phones
4.2 Microcomputer three basic hardware groups
4.2.1 System Board
4.2.2 Processor
4.2.3 Memory
System Board
It is the communications medium for the entire computer system because every
component of the system unit connects to the system board.
Also known as the motherboard or mainboard and includes sockets, slots, and bus lines.
Microprocessor
The central processing unit (CPU) or processor is contained on a single chip called the
microprocessor. The microprocessor is the brains of the computer system.
Microprocessor chips: 2 factors that determine speed
1. Chip processing capacities are often expressed in word sizes. A word is the number of
bits (such as 16, 32, or 64) that can be accessed at one time by the CPU.
2. Clock speed which is related to the number of times the CPU can fetch and process data
or instructions in a second. Example 1 GHZ means 1 billion cycles per second
Memory
There are three well-known types of memory chips:
1. Random-access memory (RAM) chips hold the program (sequence of instructions) and data
that the CPU is presently processing. RAM is temporary or volatile storage because
everything in most types of RAM is lost as soon as the microcomputer is turned off.
RAM performs three functions:
accepts and holds program instructions and data
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acts as the CPUs source for data and instructions and as a destination for
operation results
holds the final processed information until it can be sent to the desired output or
storage devices, such as a printer or disk drive
Expansion Slots and Cards
Expansion cards plug into expansion slots located on the system board. Some of the more
common devices are:
Graphics cards provide high-quality 3D graphics and animation for games and
simulations
Sound cards, accept audio input from a microphone and convert it into a form that can
be processed by the computer
Network interface cards (NIC) - also known as network adapter cards, are used to
connect a computer to a network
Bus Line
A bus line (also known as a bus) - connects the parts of the CPU to each other.
Ports
A serial is a general-purpose interface that can be used for almost any type of device,
including modems, mice, and printers
A parallel interface for connecting an external device such as a printer. Most personal
computers have both a parallel port and at least one serial port. On PCs, the parallel
port uses a 25-pin connector (type DB-25) and is used to connect printers, computers and
other devices that need relatively high bandwidth.
Fire wire is the Apple brand name for IEEE 1394 high-speed cable. The cable was
originally created to make transferring video from digital camcorders and external hard
drives faster and easier for users. Fire wire replaced traditional USB offering significantly
higher data transfer rates than USB.
HDMI Port HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a proprietary audio/video
interface for transferring uncompressed video data and compressed or
uncompressed digital audio data from an HDMI-compliant source device, such as
a display controller, to a compatible computer monitor, video projector, digital television,
or digital audio device. HDMI is a digital replacement for analog video standards.
Chapter 6
Input device examples: keyboard, mice, barcode readers, digital camera, card readers
Output device examples: Monitor, printers and speakers
Monitor Display Resolution
The display resolution or display modes of a digital television, computer monitors or display
device is the number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed. It is usually
quoted as width height, with the units in pixels: for example, "1024 768" means the width is
1024 pixels and the height is 768 pixels. This example would normally be spoken as "ten twentyfour by seven sixty-eight" or "ten twenty-four by seven six eight".
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Linux is a Unix-like and POSIX-compliant computer operating system assembled under the
model of free and open source software development and distribution.
Microsoft Windows is a series of graphical interface operating systems developed, marketed,
and sold by Microsoft.
Chapter 3
Application Software includes programs that perform a single task such as word processing,
spreadsheet analysis, or database management, considered for end users. Examples range from
Microsoft Project, I Tunes, Quick books, Safari as an internet browser program, Adobe
Photoshop, an app that you download to a smart phone etc.
Software suite: Software suites consist of integrated software programs. In other words, the
individual programs are designed to work well together, with similar interface design and
features. Software suites typically include the four most widely used applications: word
processing, database management, spreadsheet, and presentation programs.
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